Travel news - destinations in south Thailand

Compass points to success

Regattas, boat charters and the tax waiver on yachts herald the coming of age of marine tourism on the Andaman coast
Becoming recognised as a world's leading destination for marine tourism, Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi are the embarkation points for getting onto the sea. Supportive of the many more visitors seeking seaside solace, these provinces have become tremendously built-up over the past few years. The appeal favours finding tranquility and relaxation on the sea. Up and down the Andaman coast the scores of remote islands are well kept secrets contributing more than is obvious to keeping the region's tourism industry alive. But visitors need boats to get to them.

"The marine industry is not only alright but growing at a huge rate," Josh Lee, managing director of Lee Marine states confidently. The exponential growth in his business over the past eight years is witness to this. Starting with second hand (brokerage) yachts then acquiring the Riviera dealership in 1998 which to date is the highest selling brand of new power boats in Thailand, they recently added three more European power and sailing yacht lines to their repertoire.

The availability of top quality yachts now that the government has finally seen through the fog to lift the marine industry taxes (from over 200% to 0), makes the choices enormous. As marine tourism has been targeted by the Thai government for expansion, an industry group voice, Marine Alliance of Thailand, (MAT) was formed, working diligently to keep the growth on course. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is working, with input from MAT, for example, on a new comprehensive marine tourism marketing plan.

Establishing a yearly boat show in Phuket plays an important part in promoting the credibility of Thailand's marine leisure industry. With the show coming up to its third year, PIMEX 2005 will demonstrate that Thailand is quickly becoming the fastest growing marine playground in Asia. Showcasing a high standard of marine leisure and lifestyle options, PIMEX 2004 exhibitors saw US$2 million in transactions finalised during the four days of the show, with up to US$20 million carried over to post-show negotiation. PIMEX is a prime opportunity to demonstrate the comfortable and luxurious side of boating, not to mention the capacity for corporate entertainment, unfamiliar to many Thai business people. PIMEX 2005 will be held once again at the Phuket Boat Lagoon marina, from December 8-11.

The array of available options cannot help but directly hit even the most meticulous sailor, from day cruises and yacht racing to complete lifestyle changes. Abundance overflows.

Newcomers, like Paul Vockler, manager of Phuket Charters offers full service _ half-day, full-day, overnight and four days/three nights packages on superb motor yachts. He says, "Without a doubt Phuket has the potential of becoming Asia's yachting capital. It is only a matter of time. With new quality marinas and facilities, Phuket's marine industry will continue to move in the right direction."

Opening in November of last year, Tawan Cruises can see their potential with their higher end cruises on offer. "Yacht sales which are a good indication of the market, haven't seen a marked decrease with a steady flow of new boats and new owners arriving to the island to enjoy the consistent all year round cruising area and cost effective yacht management which has made Phuket famous, "says manager Gus Overman.

A veteran of the international sailing world, Sunsail first arrived in Thailand in 1990, establishing Sunsail Thailand Co Ltd in 1994. Their success of the charter business and RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training courses in Phuket has lead to opening branch bases in Langkawi, Malaysia, and Samui with Vietnam in the offing. Besides their flotilla concept that allows you independent sailing yet with support from other yachts, Sunsail have introduced, due to overwhelming demand, their MileCatchers scheme. This is an unique opportunity for sailors desiring longer distance trips between Ko Samui-Sebana Cove, and Sebana Cove-Langkawi. Available for groups or individuals, the first trips will commence in September.

Once the sea salt gets in your bones you may think about crewing in one of the spectacular regattas. Phuket King's Cup Regatta, in its 19th sailing happens around HM the King's birthday in December; QBE Insurance Phang Nga Bay Regatta in February (9th sailing) and upcoming is the Evason Phuket Raceweek from July 28-31 _ Asia's windiest regatta. This year, over 30 boats are participating in the off season popular race which runs back-to-back with the Naga Cup (Phuket 8 one-design races) on July 23-24 July, and Skiff Asia Dinghy racing on July 27.

Evason Phuket Resort, the host sponsor last year, has come on board as title sponsor, while major property developers, Raimon Land, who in the past year have become Thailand's strongest yacht racing supporters, are also backing this event. Additional support includes the island's three marinas: Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven and Boat Lagoon. With TAT and a number of island marine businesses also towing the line for this event, it is truly a community effort. "We're effectively promoting Phuket lifestyle, demonstrating that a good time can be had in Phuket all year round, not just in the high season," said Grenville Fordham of Image Asia Events, organisers for the event.

And lifestyle becomes the key. Case in point is shown in one of the many class act projects for Phuket island living. High-end condominiums and luxury villas with boat berths seamlessly blend with retail, marina and ayurvedic spa for a winning waterfront concept. Phuket is a sailing paradise and the cost to run a boat in Thailand is substantially less than most places in the world, states Gulu Lalvani who believes, "Phuket is one of the best sailing destinations in the world."

He ought to know. As a life long globetrotter his choice retirement place is Phuket. To keep himself occupied, this multi millionaire is behind the visionary project, Royal Phuket Marina. Surely to push and twist this region into a more blossoming sophisticated, international distinctiveness, the properties are selling rapidly ranging from US$270, 000 to 1.6 million.

Unlike other major Asian regions that may house many yacht clubs with their own narrow focus for their own profitability, Phuket and the region unify, producing a stronger voice promoting, building and focussing on the future for proper development of quality products for all to appreciate the enormous pearl of the South _ the Andaman Sea.

The well established Thai Marine Leisure (TML), one of Thailand's premier yacht brokers' managing director, Vincent Tabuteau gets it right by saying, "The most spectacular part of Phuket is what surrounds it. One needs to get out on the water to experience the beauty the Andaman Sea has to offer. Easy access, no crowds at sea and the friendliest people. Destinations alternately protected from regular winds: Phuket in winter; Samui and Pran Buri in summer, with Phang Nga Bay 12 months per year. This is unique in the world."
Bangkok Post 23 July 2005 www.bangkokpost.com